In a significant boost to India’s horticultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow. The consignment, comprising five metric tonnes of Banganapalle mangoes, was exported by M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP on June 11 and reached Singapore on June 24.
According to APEDA, the shipment marks an important milestone in promoting cost-effective and sustainable export logistics for India’s fresh produce while expanding global market access for premium Indian mangoes.
The mangoes were sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh and processed and packed at an APEDA-recognised packhouse in Karnataka. The consignment complied with Singapore’s quality and phytosanitary standards.
The importer, EC-Links Pte Ltd, Singapore, reported that the fruit arrived in excellent condition, appreciating its sweetness, uniform ripening, shelf life and overall phytosanitary quality. The successful delivery demonstrated the effectiveness of scientific post-harvest management practices and cold-chain logistics during sea transportation.
The export also resulted in higher returns for farmers. While domestic market prices ranged between ₹25 and ₹26 per kilogram, the export consignment realised around ₹50 per kilogram, nearly doubling farm-gate prices.
APEDA said the successful shipment highlights the growing potential of sea freight as a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and commercially scalable mode of transporting fresh fruits. Supported by robust cold-chain infrastructure and scientific handling practices, maritime transport can significantly enhance the global competitiveness of Indian horticultural exports.
Banganapalle, one of India’s most popular mango varieties, is known for its golden-yellow colour, fibreless pulp, rich sweetness and pleasant aroma. The variety enjoys strong demand in international markets and offers significant scope for expanding India’s mango exports.
APEDA has been promoting sea freight for fresh fruit and vegetable exports through infrastructure support, market development initiatives and capacity-building programmes to help exporters meet international quality standards. The latest shipment is expected to encourage wider adoption of maritime transport for horticultural exports while supporting the government’s efforts to boost agricultural exports, enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen India’s presence in global markets.
